In this episode, Renee Swanson discusses the challenges of dealing with circular conversations with covert narcissists. She explains how these conversations can trap individuals in a cycle of emotional manipulation and coercive control. Renee provides strategies for disengaging from these conversations, setting boundaries, and reclaiming personal space and power. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing unhealthy relationship dynamics and encourages listeners to seek help and support for their healing journey.

Takeaways

• You deserve to be heard and have space.
• Covert narcissists use circular conversations to manipulate.
• Resolution is not the goal for covert narcissists.
• Stopping a circular conversation requires awareness and boundaries.
• The gray rock method can backfire with narcissists.
• Use neutral but not cold responses to avoid escalation.
• Blocking your exit is a form of coercive control.
• You have the right to feel safe in your own home.
• Documenting your experiences can help in seeking support.
• Use calm times to strategize and find resources.

00:00 Understanding Circular Conversations with Covert Narcissists

04:12 The Manipulative Nature of Covert Narcissism

10:56 Recognizing Coercive Control and Setting Boundaries

16:19 Taking Action: Documenting and Seeking Help

#CovertNarcissism #EmotionalAbuse #BreakingFree #ToxicRelationships #HealingJourney

Keywords

covert narcissism, circular conversations, emotional manipulation, coercive control, relationship advice, self-protection, boundaries, healing, emotional health, narcissistic abuse

What happens when the very dynamics that shaped your childhood follow you into adulthood—into your marriage, friendships, and even your career? In this episode, Mindy shares her eye-opening realization that she married a version of her narcissistic mother and how her upbringing with both a covert narcissistic mom and an abusive father left her trapped in cycles of self-doubt, hypervigilance, and struggle. We’ll explore how childhood conditioning makes us perfect targets for love bombing, why receiving even the smallest gift puts us in a tailspin, and how deep-seated beliefs of unworthiness shape our adult relationships. If you’ve ever wondered What the hell happened to my family?—this episode is for you.

• Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
• Are you searching for people who get it?
• Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
• Are you running in circles in your mind?
• Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
• Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?

Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse

http://www.covertnarcissism.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson

https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson

https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism

#Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling drained, confused, or even doubting yourself? Do you feel like every attempt at connection turns into an argument, a guilt trip, or complete silence? You’re not alone.

Talking to a covert narcissist isn’t like talking to anyone else. Simple, everyday questions—What do you want for dinner? How was your day?—can be met with sighs, irritation, or even the silent treatment. And when it comes to deeper conversations, the dynamic becomes even more exhausting.

In this episode, we’re unpacking why conversations with a covert narcissist feel impossible. From dismissive one-word answers to twisted words and subtle control tactics, we’ll break down the communication patterns that leave you feeling unheard, defensive, and emotionally drained.

Most importantly, we’ll explore what you can do to protect your energy, set boundaries, and reclaim your voice.

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning, Why am I like this only with them?—this episode is for you.

I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.

• Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
• Are you searching for people who get it?
• Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
• Are you running in circles in your mind?
• Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
• Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?

Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse

http://www.covertnarcissism.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson

https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson

https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism

#Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

What happens when a father’s love comes with invisible strings? In this episode, I dive into the hidden dynamics of covert narcissistic fathers—the ones who never yell, never hit, but control through silent treatment, guilt, and quiet punishment. If you grew up feeling like your worth was tied to achievements, if you feared disappointing a parent who never truly accepted you, this episode is for you.

We'll explore the emotional abuse that comes from covert narcissistic parenting, how their subtle manipulation impacts your sense of self, and the difficult yet necessary journey of breaking free from covert narcissism. This isn’t about destroying your relationship with your parent. It is about discovering your relationship with yourself!

If you’ve ever questioned whether your parent’s love was unconditional or transactional, this conversation will help you see the truth—and reclaim your own happiness.

Your story matters. If this episode resonates, check out my Individual Healing Program at covertnarcissism.com to start your journey toward freedom, self-acceptance, and emotional healing.

#CovertNarcissism #CovertNarcissist #CovertNarcissisticAbuse #EmotionalAbuse #HealingFromNarcissisticAbuse #NarcissisticBehavior #Gaslighting #BreakingFreeFromCovertNarcissism

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the painful reality behind “kind” gestures that aren’t kind at all. When a homemade cheesecake or a perfectly crafted cup of coffee is offered by someone who’s spent years neglecting your needs, it can feel like a calculated move—a manipulation tactic meant to keep you tethered to your old wounds.

Through raw storytelling and a “Choose Your Own Adventure” narrative, you’ll hear firsthand how these token gestures, far from mending the past, often serve as a reminder of every invalidating moment and boundary crossed. This episode isn’t just about the seemingly small acts; it’s about reclaiming your power, trusting your gut, and choosing your own path toward healing.

If you’ve ever felt that a sweet gesture was really an insult in disguise, this episode is for you. Listen in for an honest conversation about emotional abuse, the traps of covert narcissism, and the critical steps to rebuild your life on your own terms. Your journey to healing starts here.

Take the next step in your healing: If you’re ready to break free and reclaim your life, check out my coaching services at www.covertnarcissism.com. You deserve more than crumbs. ❤️

Many of us have been taught to focus on the good—to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable and to not judge. These are not bad lessons to live by, but do they apply to our spouse in a toxic relationship? Or are we unintentionally ignoring red flags in covert narcissistic abuse?

In this episode, we explore:
🔹 How focusing only on the good enables covert narcissistic behavior
🔹 The confusion and emotional turmoil of benefiting from the good while suffering from the bad
🔹 How your self-reflection gets used against you
🔹 How cognitive empathy (not real empathy) is used as a tool by covert narcissists
🔹 Why ignoring the bad doesn’t make it disappear—and what to do instead

If you’ve ever struggled with forgiving and forgetting, convincing yourself to focus on the good while ignoring the damage, working extra hard to not judge, this episode is for YOU. It will give you clarity and validation.

#CovertNarcissism #NarcissisticAbuse #Gaslighting #EmotionalAbuse #RecognizingCovertNarcissism #HealingFromNarcissisticAbuse #ToxicPositivity #FaithAndHealing #ForgiveButDontForget #ReclaimYourTruth

I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.

• Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
• Are you searching for people who get it?
• Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
• Are you running in circles in your mind?
• Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
• Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?

Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse

http://www.covertnarcissism.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson

https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson

https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism

Have you ever felt like your reality was rewritten right before your eyes? Covert narcissists are experts at controlling the narrative, erasing your perspective, dismissing your feelings, manipulating reality, and shaping how others see you. This is a key tactic in covert narcissistic abuse, leaving victims feeling unheard, invalidated, and questioning their own sanity.

In this episode, we break down:
🔹 Signs of covert narcissism and how they erase your perspective
🔹 The sneaky ways they use gaslighting in relationships to distort the truth
🔹 How they manipulate others with covert narcissistic behavior
🔹 Tips for dealing with a covert narcissist and reclaiming your truth

If you’ve ever felt like your story is being rewritten, you’re not alone. Recognizing covert narcissism is the first step toward breaking free and healing.

Tune in now and learn how to take back control. Your story matters. Your voice matters. 💙

#CovertNarcissism #Gaslighting #CovertNarcissisticAbuse #RecognizingCovertNarcissism #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #BreakingFreeFromCovertNarcissism #EmotionalAbuse #ReclaimYourTruth #SettingBoundaries

I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.

• Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
• Are you searching for people who get it?
• Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
• Are you running in circles in your mind?
• Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
• Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?

Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse

http://www.covertnarcissism.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson

https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson

https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism

Have you ever tried to figure out someone’s true intentions? Have you been suspicious of the intentions behind one’s behaviors? Have you ever asked yourself, Yeah but what do they really want?
Covert narcissists hide their true intentions. You can feel this when you talk with them. Something just doesn’t feel quite right. It doesn’t feel genuine. Everything they do and say has a hidden agenda. What is that agenda? What are their true intentions?

The true intentions of a covert narcissistic person are:
•to rely on others to build them up, to build their self-esteem
•to earn compliments and recognition
•to gain admiration and the feeling of being important
•to confirm that they are better or higher in status than you
•to create confusion in others so they can maintain their superior confidence over your obvious inferiority
•to win your apologies and continue to boost their superiority
•to validate that they are a good person

How do we know this? How can you identify it in your own situation? What do you do about it?
To join our upcoming group coaching session, reach out to me at renee@covertnarcissism.com or renee@cnglifecoaching.com
For more information on the group sessions, visit https://www.covertnarcissism.com/group-session

I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.
•Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
•Are you searching for people who get it?
•Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
•Are you running in circles in your mind?
•Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
•Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?
I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at www.covertnarcissism.com
Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse
http://www.covertnarcissism.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson
https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson
https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism